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4 Ways to Restore Deleted Files from Google Drive on Android/PC

2026-07-22 16:34:16/Posted by Kitty Parkerto Android Recovery Topic/Follow @ MobiKin

TL;DR:

Google Drive's built-in Trash folder and admin console provide basic recovery options, but they are restricted by time limits and user permissions. For a more flexible and comprehensive solution, Android Data Back is highly recommended for its ability to selectively recover deleted files directly from Google Drive backups on Android without overwriting existing data.

 

Google Drive is widely used to store important data, including documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and project files stored in Google Drive may contain valuable work or study materials. However, accidental deletion, sync problems, account issues, or emptying the Trash too soon can cause users to search for reliable ways to restore deleted files from Google Drive.

This article will introduce restore deleted files from Google Drive with 4 clever strategies, covering practical methods to help users find and retrieve missing files from Google Drive on different devices.

Part 1: Restore Deleted Files from Google Drive via Android Data Back [Flexible]

Recovering lost data from Android devices and backups becomes easier with Android Data Back, a recovery solution that supports retrieving deleted photos, videos, contacts, messages, and other files. It can help restore deleted files from Google Drive backups, allowing users to get back important data that has been accidentally removed or misplaced.

With multiple recovery options and support for various Android devices, the software offers a practical approach to handling unexpected data loss.

Overview of Android Data Back:

Feature
Description

Recover Deleted Data

Restore deleted photos, videos, contacts, messages, WhatsApp data, LINE data, and more.

Google Drive Recovery

Recover deleted files from Google Drive backups selectively.

Broken Android Recovery

Extract data from damaged or inaccessible Android phones.

Multiple Recovery Modes

Offer solutions for device recovery, broken phone extraction, and backups.

Selective Recovery

Choose specific files instead of restoring everything.

Preview Before Recovery

Check recoverable files before saving them.

Wide File Support

Recover various file types, including media and documents.

Export to Computer

Save recovered data to a computer for easier management.

Android Compatibility

Support a wide range of Android devices and versions.

Safe Recovery Process

Recover files without overwriting existing data.

Free & Secure Download:

android data back for windows

How to recover deleted items from Google Drive to Android via Android Data Back?

  • Start by installing and launching the Android Data Backup application on your PC.
  • In the main interface, select the option "Recover Data from Google Drive."
  • recover data from google drive

  • Sign in to your Google account by clicking on "Sign in."
  • Make sure your account credentials are accurate, as this process is completely secure.
  • The program will then show a list of all types of recoverable data.
  • Choose the items you wish to restore and click "Next" located in the lower right corner.
  • choose data types for deep scan

  • The software will begin scanning the data stored in Google Drive.
  • Please be patient while the scanning process is in progress.
  • Once the scan is finished, the recovered data will be presented.
  • Examine all the information to verify the details.
  • Finally, choose either the "Recover to Device" or "Recover to PC" option to save the deleted files.

restore deleted files from google drive with android data back

Click to Learn: Dropbox vs. Google Drive vs. OneDrive - Which Is the Best?

Part 2: Rescue Deleted Files from Google Drive Trash

Accidentally deleting important files from Google Drive can be frustrating, especially when they contain work documents, photos, videos, or other valuable data.

Fortunately, Google Drive provides a Trash (or Bin) folder where deleted files are temporarily stored, allowing users to restore them easily before they are permanently removed. If you have recently deleted a file, you can recover it directly from the Trash folder by following these steps:

Option 1: Restore Deleted Files from Google Drive Trash:

  • Open Google Drive in your browser and sign in to your Google account.
  • Click Trash (or Bin) from the left-side menu.
  • restore deleted files from google drive with google drive trash on pc

  • Browse the deleted files and locate the one you want to recover.
  • Right-click the file and select Restore.
  • The file will be returned to its original location in Google Drive.

Note: Files usually remain in Google Drive Trash for 30 days before being permanently deleted. Once removed from Trash, recovery becomes much more difficult.

Option 2: Restore Deleted Files from Google Drive Trash on Android:

  • Open the Google Drive app on your Android phone.
  • Tap the Menu icon.
  • Select Trash.
  • Find the deleted file.
  • Tap the three-dot icon next to the file.
  • Choose Restore.

You Might Also Enjoy: Top 4 Ways to Move Photos/Pictures from Google Drive to Google Photos

Part 3: Recover Deleted Files from Google Drive via Admin Account

For Google Workspace users, deleted files that are no longer available in the Google Drive Trash may still be recoverable through a Google Workspace administrator account. This method is especially useful when employees accidentally permanently delete important business documents, folders, or shared files. Admins can restore deleted Drive data within a limited recovery period through the Google Admin Console. Below is how:

  • Sign in to Google Admin Console using a Google Workspace administrator account with the required permissions to restore user data.
  • From the Admin Console homepage, go to Menu → Directory → Users.
  • restore deleted files from google drive via admin account

  • Find and select the user whose deleted Google Drive files need to be restored.
  • Click More options next to the user and select Restore data.
  • Choose the date range when the files were deleted.
  • Under Application, select Drive.
  • Click Restore to start the recovery process.
  • After the restoration finishes, the recovered files will appear in the user's Google Drive in their original locations whenever possible.

Part 4: Retrieve Deleted Files from Google Drive with Google Drive Help

If you cannot find deleted files in Google Drive Trash, you can request assistance from Google Drive Help to recover missing files. Visit the Google Drive Help page, describe the file loss issue, and submit a recovery request with relevant details such as the file name and deletion time. Below is how:

  • Visit the Google Drive Help page and access the file recovery support option.
  • restore deleted files from google drive with google drive help

  • Sign in with the Google account that lost the files and submit a recovery request.
  • Provide details about the deleted files, such as file names, deletion date, and any relevant information to help Google locate the data.
  • Wait for Google's response and follow the provided instructions to complete the recovery process.

FAQs for Restoring Deleted Files from Google Drive on PC/Android

Q1. What happens if I empty the Google Drive Trash?

After emptying Trash, files are permanently deleted and cannot normally be restored through Google Drive. You may need to contact Google Support or use available backup copies.

Q2. Can a Google Workspace admin recover deleted files from Google Drive?

Yes. Administrators can restore deleted Drive files for users within a specific recovery period through the Google Admin console.

Q3. Why can't I find my deleted files in Google Drive Trash?

Files may not appear if they were permanently deleted, removed after the 30-day retention period, or deleted by another user who owns the file.

Q4. Can Google Drive recover files deleted by someone else?

It depends on ownership and permissions. If you are not the file owner, the owner or a Google Workspace administrator may need to restore the file.

Q5. What is the best way to prevent losing files on Google Drive again?

Regularly back up important files, enable Google Drive syncing, keep offline copies, and consider using third-party backup tools to protect your data from accidental deletion.

Q6. Can I restore deleted Google Drive files from another device?

Yes. Google Drive files are synced across devices, so you can restore deleted files from any PC or Android device by accessing the same Google account and checking the Trash folder.

Q7. Do restored Google Drive files keep their original names and folders?

Yes. When you restore a file from Trash, Google Drive typically returns it to its original folder with the same name, sharing settings, and file information.

Related Articles:

How to Access Google Cloud on Android Device? 4 Validated Methods

Is Google Drive Secure? Answer, Exploration, FAQs, & Alternative

[Detailed Tutorial] How to Back Up iPhone to Google Drive in 2026?

How to Use Google Drive on Android & PC? Detailed Breakdown

Kitty Parker
Kitty ParkerSenior Editor
 
In 2018, Kitty Parker graduated with a B.S. degree. After getting technical article writing training, she participated in MobiKin Team. She has spent years testing, studying, and writing professional articles on fields such as Android Backup, Android Recovery, and App Management. Proficient in creating diverse content, she regularly shares posts on social platforms to help those in need.
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